Thirty-seven years after it was inaugurated by
then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, a children's park here in Amethi lies
virtually abandoned.At a stone's throw distance from National Highway 56, the
Kadunala Mrig Vihar Park is in a poor shape, with broken windows and filth
littered in and around the area.Also known as Forest Park, it is situated only
three kilometres from Musafirkhana, a small hamlet, was inaugurated by Rajiv
Gandhi in July 1982.The park was built keeping in mind the children of the
area.But a one-room building, swings and the seesaw which were major
attractions are either broken or in disuse.Musafirkhana resident Ram Mishra
told IANS: "Earlier this park used to be major attraction for kids. But
now no one is there to look after it."Mishra's father Ram Dalan Mishra
recalled that whenever Rajiv Gandhi used to even cross the area, he would spend
some time at the park."But after his death, it seems its charm also
died," he said.Syed Iqbal Haider, a social activist, said that the park is
the biggest example of the (Uttar Pradesh government's) Forest Department's
neglect."He said: "With the Congress not in power in UP, the state
government has not cared for its maintenance."Local BJP leader Krishna
Tiwari said that even the land at the park had been acquired by the National
Highway Authority of India (NHAI)."But none of the officials of the Forest
Department raised the claim of compensation," he said.The BJP leader said
Congress President Rahul Gandhi should take up the matter to restore the work
done by his late father.